Baylor Mullins is a threat when he gets the ball in his hands as a returner, a defender, and even as the punter. Photo by Andrew Zavoina, d3photography.com

Blake Jackson has accounted for 39 touchdowns and counting for the top-ranked Crusaders. Photo by Andrew Zavoina, d3photography.com

By Brian Lester
D3sports.com

Mary Hardin-Baylor head coach Pete Fredenburg walked into the locker room at halftime Saturday and any concerns he had about his top-ranked football team trailing Redlands in the opening round of the NCAA playoffs faded quickly.

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"I was concerned about us being down at the half but once I came in, I realized the guys weren't panicked at all," Fredenburg said. "I felt better about everything. A lot of teams might have been rattled by it, but our players stayed focused and confident."

The Crusaders, who went on to win 50-28, aren't accustomed to playing from behind. In fact, the 21-14 deficit they were staring up at against Redlands marked the first time all year UMHB has been down at the half.

That didn't seem to bother quarterback Blake Jackson.

"I thought we handled it well," Jackson said. "No one on the team was worried. We were all confident and knew we could come out and play much better in the second half."

Jackson did his part to lead the rally. Less than two minutes after a safety cut the deficit to 21-16, Jackson threw a 38-yard scoring strike to T.J. Josey to give the Crusaders the lead for good at 23-21. It was one of two touchdown passes he threw in the second half.

"It felt like everything clicked in the second half," Jackson said. "I ran the ball a little more and took advantage of what the defense was giving us. We went out and took care of business."

Fredenburg was thrilled with the way his team responded. As for what happened in that first half, a half where Redlands jumped in front 14-0, the veteran coach of the Crusaders said his team was caught off guard a bit.

"They presented some stuff we hadn't seen before by them, but give Redlands credit. They came out ready to play," Fredenburg said. "They did a nice job of executing on both sides of the ball but we were able to settle down and make some adjustments to come out with the win."

Now the attention shifts to Linfield and a rematch of a game played earlier this season between two of the country's top programs.

Back in September, the Crusaders rolled to a 66-27 win over the then third-ranked Wildcats. It was UMHB's first win over Linfield in five tries and avenged the 38-35 loss it suffered last December in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA playoffs.

Linfield has won every game since that loss to UMHB in September and is 9-1 overall. UMHB is 11-0.

It's never easy to beat the same team twice in one season but there are things this team can take from that first meeting that can help in preparation for this showdown.

"We'll look at some of the good we did in that game and also look at the bad and tweak some things. I'm sure they will do the same," Fredenburg said. "It's difficult to beat any team twice, but it's especially difficult to beat a team like Linfield a second time."

Jackson said playing a team he's seen before makes a difference when it comes to preparation.

"It does help a lot because you are familiar with what they do on offense and defense," Jackson said. "Everyone is focused and we'll go into it prepared to play our best game."

Jackson has been instrumental in getting the Crusaders to this point in their season. He is in his first year as the full-time starter after splitting time with Zach Anderson the last two seasons. The transfer out of Southeast Missouri State has thrown for more than 2,500 yards and 32 touchdowns. He's also rushed for seven scores.

"Things have gone well for me this year," Jackson said. "I've been building for this opportunity my whole career and I want to make the most of it."

Jackson hasn't done it alone, though. He is surrounded by great running backs and receivers and plays in front of a solid offensive line that has helped the Crusaders crank out more than 500 yards per game.

Jackson said the bond this team shares has also made a difference.

"We are all close and it's been that way since before the season started," Jackson said. "Everyone on this team is a leader no matter where he is on the depth chart. Everyone has a role."

Fredenburg has taken notice of those qualities and also admires the work and effort this team puts forth every week.

"They are a lot of fun to watch," Fredenburg said. "They have a great work ethic and we have a lot of experience and great leadership. I also love how this team has pulled together and works hard for each other. They all want to win."

Winning is the only option for the Crusaders this year if you consider the expectations that have been placed on their shoulders. They are the No. 1 team in the land in the D3football.com poll and the favorite to win the national championship.

It can be easy for a team to get caught up in the hype surrounding it. Fredenburg reminds his team each week, however, that there is always room to improve.

"We want to get better as a team every week," Fredenburg said. "Our guys have stayed focused on the game in front of them. It's all about what we do to be ready to play the next game."

Jackson said he barely notices the hype. And for the record, he doesn't look at his team as a favorite.

"I don't pay any attention to it," Jackson said. "We don't look at ourselves as a favorite. We go into the games seeing ourselves as an underdog. I think that helps us and heightens our level of play."